Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth
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Ocean Oasis water park is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.
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Hop on a ride at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Holiday Lights, Friendsgiving, Cirque Christmas

Watch Santa magically light up the park this weekend at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
Watch Santa magically light up the park this weekend at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
11/19/19 - By Laurie Rein

Fill your plate with a taste of Thanksgiving and a sampling of Christmas on this pre-Turkey Day weekend in New Jersey. Get ready for the big day at Alstede's Farm to Table Friendsgiving Feast; celebrate with historical flair at Early 19th Century Thanksgiving; and learn more about our feathered guest of honor at NJ Audubon: Turkey Talk.

Christmas is the air this weekend with rides on the North Pole Express and Polar Express. Turtle Back Zoo debuts its holiday light display, and Holiday Trolley Tours are up and running in Princeton. And don't miss the amazing Magical Cirque Christmas at Mayo Performing Arts Center.

Check out our Holiday Fun Guide for more options, including the Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for NJ Kids. And look to our November GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

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Turtle Back Zoo's FREE Holiday Lights display kicks off this weekend. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Turtle Back Zoo's FREE Holiday Lights display kicks off this weekend. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Things To Do All Weekend

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

Holiday Trolley Tours

Princeton
Make your winter shopping trip to Princeton that much more magical when you plan it around an iconic trolley tour. These darling 1-hour climate controlled trolley tours spotlight everything you always wanted to know about Princeton. READ MORE

Black River & Western Railroad Santa Express

Flemington
A ride on the Santa Express is the perfect way to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit. This popular annual event features an onboard meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, gifts for children, and photo-ops.  READ MORE

The Polar Express

Whippany
 Join a magical trip on the Polar Express, powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, shortbread, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. READ MORE

Christmas Fantasy With Lights at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Help welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Storybook Land through the end of December. Each night at dusk, Santa appears at the chimney and waves his wand, magically lighting up the park. READ MORE

Apple Cidering

Chatham
Here's the perfect fall family tradition. Make delicious, homemade apple cider using an old-fashioned, hand-cranked cider press, and learn fun facts about the amazing apple. READ MORE
A Magical Cirque Christmas comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the production
A Magical Cirque Christmas comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the production

Things To Do on Saturday, November 23, 2019

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Morristown
Mayo Performing Arts Center presents the magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists from around the world, accompanied by live holiday music. READ MORE

3rd Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair with Santa Photos

Woodbridge – FREE
Get ready to shop at Woodbridge Community Choir's Third Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair, supporting the Woodbridge Community Choir. The event will be held in the gymnasium of Woodbridge High School. READ MORE

LEGO Frozen 2 Build Event

Clark and other locations – FREE
Build a Frozen 2 castle to take home at this special Barnes & Noble event.  READ MORE

Farm to Table Friendsgiving Feast at Alstede Farms

Chester
Have fun creating unforgettable memories with your chosen family at a Farm to Table Friendsgiving feast. READ MORE

NJ Audubon: Turkey Talk

Bernardsville
Wild turkeys are beautiful birds. Check out their feathers and hear their calls in an indoor presentation. After a short walk to look for their favorite food, children will create a pine-cone turkey for the holiday table. READ MORE

Things To Do on Sunday, November 24, 2019

Early 19th Century Thanksgiving

Farmingdale – FREE
Step back in time, and celebrate Thanksgiving with the villagers of Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company. READ MORE

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Englewood
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer takes the stage at Bergen PAC. READ MORE

Pet Photos with Santa at Quaker Bridge Mall

Lawrenceville
Bring your furry friends to Quaker Bridge Mall for an exclusive chance to make memories and take festive photos with Santa. READ MORE

New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker

Cape May Courthouse
Nothing says holiday magic better than the classic Nutcracker. New Jersey Ballet has been bringing this production to families for more decades. READ MORE

Feed the Animals

Hamilton – FREE
It’s lunchtime for our education animals. See what it takes to keep them healthy, clean, and fed. We might even enlist some willing hands to help. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
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